Television cameras set to cover Kirkintilloch town centre demonstration this week

Herald reporter

A blind campaigner has called on those opposed to the Kirkintilloch ‘shared space’ project to demonstrate their feelings in front of television cameras this Thursday (August 25).

Sandy Taylor will welcome BBC Scotland reporter Ian Hamilton, who is also blind, to the town at 3.30pm on Thursday.

He will report on the issue from Barleybank, next to St Mary’s Church.

Mr Taylor has previously issued a challenge to council leader Rhondda Geekie, and her administration colleagues, to attempt to negotiate the junction at Catherine Street while wearing a blindfold.

Over 2,000 people at the recent canal festival signed a petition back the challenge.

But a spokesperson for Councillor Geekie told the Herald: “Council leader Rhondda Geekie has thanked Mr Taylor for the invitation, but declined.”

Now Mr Taylor wants as many people as possible to back his campaign to have the new road layouot scrapped.

He said: “Ian Hamilton will be reporting on our campaign against the council’s ‘shared space’ scheme which is now under construction.

“He will be interviewing campaigners and other members of the public, so please come along, have your say and demonstrate your support for our campaign.

“The council leader and her colleagues have refused to take up my challenge of crossing the junction wearing a blindfold and completing the alternative detour, despite her claims that this scheme is suitable for everyone, regardless of age, or ability.